Juninho considers New York offer

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 1 (IANS): The New York Red Bulls have reportedly made an offer to sign former Brazil international footballer Juninho Pernambucano.

The 38-year-old is in the final month of his contract with Brazil club Vasco da Gama and has been told he is free to negotiate with the Major League soccer outfit, reports Xinhua.

“Juninho is a fantastic player. But if he leaves we are going to have to carry on,” Vasco president Roberto Dinamite said Friday.

“It’s going to be sad to see him go, but we’ll have to get over it. He is very important to this club.”

It is understood Juninho is unhappy at continued late wage payments as the Rio club’s financial plight worsens. The team has not been paid since September.

The former Lyon star and his teammates will face champions Fluminense in the last game of the Brazilian top-flight season Sunday.